Chloé by Karl Lagerfeld Grey Floral Silk Maxi Dress, 1980s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 56.5 in (143.51 cm)Marked Size: see measurements (US)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Waist: 31 in (78.74 cm)Hip: 40 in (101.6 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Boca Raton, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7306177012
Chloé
A part of the Left Bank intellectual crowd who shared her mother’s fondness for fashion, Chloé cofounder Gaby Aghion was inspired to empower independent working women to break from the conservative dress of the 1950s and don more free-spirited, feminine designs that were appropriate for both work and social life.
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Aghion established her fashion house in Paris in 1952 with her business partner Jacques Lenoir to develop her own source of income, separate from her husband’s. She was one of the first designers to embrace the concept of luxury prêt-à-porter as a middle ground between haute couture and off-the-rack for the masses.
In 1964, Aghion hired a fledgling Karl Lagerfeld as a designer. The pair would bring Chloé into the international spotlight with their easy yet glamorous lines that drew such fans as Jacqueline Kennedy. Lagerfeld became the staff creative lead at Chloé in 1974 and stayed with the brand until 1983, during which time he became known for his romantic silk dresses that continued Aghion’s feminine vision and were a favorite of the “rich hippie” set. In 1988, then-unknown designer Martine Sitbon took the helm of Chloé for several years before Lagerfeld returned as creative director from 1992 to 1997, drawing all of the iconic 1990s supermodels to his runway.
After his second departure, Chloé tapped yet another early-career designer to lead the label: a punky 25-year-old Stella McCartney, who earned the position not because of her famous lineage (she’s the daughter of Paul and Linda McCartney), but because of her fashion education at Central Saint Martins and work experience on London’s Savile Row and at Christian Lacroix. Following McCartney’s exit to launch her own line in 2001 — not long after introducing the diffusion label See by Chloé that year — Chloé named Phoebe Philo to the post.
Under Philo’s leadership, Chloé expanded from women’s clothing to an accessories line — including handbags — and debuted the legendary Paddington bag in 2005. The padlocked satchel, notorious for weighing a hefty three pounds while empty, became one of the “It bags” of the decade (the brand’s double-handled Marcie holds its own in that regard); the entire 8,000-bag initial production run sold out via preorders.
Philo left Chloé in 2006; her successors include, among others, Clare Waight Kelle and Natacha Ramsay-Levi, who announced that she would be departing the house in late 2020. Part of Chloé’s decades-long lasting influence — which we’d like to speculate would appease Aghion greatly — is the brand’s dedication as a career-launching platform for newbie designers, particularly women.
Browse an extraordinary inventory of vintage Chloé handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Boca Raton, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- 1975 Gina Fratini Elizabeth Taylor Ombre Chiffon Wedding Dress DocumentedBy Gina FratiniLocated in Boca Raton, FLShe got married in a traditional white gown, modest flared suit, hooded green silk dress and a canary yellow babydoll, each of which was as spectacular as Elizabeth Taylor herself. B...Category
1970s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Galanos Floral Dot print Billow Sleeve Cut-Out Silk Cocktail Dress, 1970sBy GalanosLocated in Boca Raton, FLThis is a stunning creation from James Galanos circa 1970. Done in an airy silk chiffon with a pattern of black dots, and playful florals in red, green and blue. From the round ne...Category
1970s American Day Dresses
- 1950s Hattie Carnegie Silk Floral Print Watercolor Nipped Waist DressBy Hattie CarnegieLocated in Boca Raton, FLFrom the early 1950s comes this heavenly silk dress by Hattie Carnegie. Its nipped-waist silhouette is the perfect canvas for the gorgeous watercolor print that unfolds upon it: a blanket of pretty peonies in shades of pink, gray, white, lavender and, of course, Carnegie blue. “My clothes are built to show off the woman who wears them,” the American designer once said. “I like them to be simple—complicated and simple—to move well, to move with the times and a little ahead of them.” Still stunning today, this vintage treasure is a reflection of her philosophy—and a ladylike option for so many occasions, from a springtime luncheon to a summertime wedding or garden party. Measurements Size estimate: XS/S Bust: 32 inches Waist: 24 inches Hips: 34 inches Length: 42 inches This vintage Hattie Carnegie dress...Category
1950s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1970s Janice Wainwright Empire Waist Metallic Cheetah Print Maxi DressBy Janice WainwrightLocated in Boca Raton, FLBritish designer Janice Wainwright had a way with fabrics. She thoroughly involved herself in developing textile designs for her clothing, leading to creations that held a striking b...Category
1970s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Hanae Mori Lavender Angel Sleeve Dress, 1970sBy Hanae MoriLocated in Boca Raton, FLHanae Mori was a pioneer in the world of fashion bringing a heavy dose of authenticity to the age-old East-meets-West aesthetic. Through blending elements of Japanese sensibility, fine fabrics, and harmonious color stories, Mori’s designs mark a vital turning point in the global fashion market. From the 1970s, this Hanae Mori dress is made from a delicate silk chiffon with a stunning landscape print. Blades of grass in a neutral grey spring from the hem as irises bloom throughout. Near the neckline, the serene lavender fades to a deeper purple as a dramatic streak of aubergine, red, white, and teal sweeps across the chest and left sleeve. This dress features a classic jewel neckline and column silhouette that is contrasted by layered angel sleeves that complement the floral print. Light and stately, this dress exudes relaxation and sophistication making for a perfect hosting gown or evening dress. This dress could easily be belted and styled as a more casual day outfit. Measurements: Shoulders: 14 inches Sleeves: 22 inches Bust: 38 inches Waist: 38 inches Hips: 40 inches Length: 52 inches Hanae Mori’s signature can be found throughout the print adding some additional artistic flair. Fully lined in a matching lavender silk, this dress closes at centre back with a zip concealed by a series of tiny silk covered snaps. The rare vintage dress...Category
1970s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Mary McFadden Dusky Lavender Golden Macrame Cut Out Back GownBy Mary McFaddenLocated in Boca Raton, FLAn accomplished designer, Mary McFadden studied in New York and Paris, worked at Dior, and served as the editor of Vogue South Africa among other positions and awards. She started her own label in the 1970s, incorporating global inspirations and classic silhouettes in her designs. She notably created pleated garments that resemble the famous pleated silk dresses by Mariano Fortuny which eventually became her trademark. “The effect I'm searching for is to have the fabric fall like liquid gold against the body” said McFadden of her ‘Marii’ technique, and she seems to have accomplished just that. Made up of Fortuny style pleats, this dusky lavender gown...Category
1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Giambattista Valli Ivory Crepe Sleeveless Wedding Gown Dress EU 40By Giambattista ValliLocated in New York, NYElegant Giambattista Valli ivory crepe sleeveless wedding gown has a delicate fitted bust, darts to accentuate the length of waist, which is finished with a stitched ribbon at the wa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Elaborately Beaded French FLapper Dress, c.1920sLocated in New York, NYElaborately Beaded French FLapper Dress, c.1920s Indigo knee-length gauze Flapper dress with intricate beading of art deco style motifs in shades of indigo, blue and silver. Featurin...Category
1920s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Tom Ford Crystal Embellished Statement Dress F/W 2011 Size 38ITBy Tom FordLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLTom Ford - Olive gray, Swarovski crystal lace embellished dress. The lace dress is lined in sheer nude fabric and has an invisible zipper for closure.Category
2010s Italian Evening Gowns
- Vintage 1950's Pink Swirling Satin & Tulle Dress UK 6 US 2Located in Cheltenham, GBThis iconic 1950's dress, rendered in layers of pink tulle, with delicate circular satin details, is just the piece for that special occasion. The strapless cut of the dress, featu...Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- Sass & Bide Silk Crepe 3 Way Maxi Harness Bustier Dress AU 8 US 2Located in PUTNEY, NSWDress Crepe Embellished Contrasting trims SilkCategory
Early 2000s Australian Cocktail Dresses
- Blumarine, Strapless draped dressBy BlumarineLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLBlumarine, Strapless draped dress in grey. This item is new - unworn. With zipper on the side • CONDITION: new - unworn • SIZE: IT40 - XS • MEASUREM...Category
2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
14 Iconic Luxury Handbags and the Stories behind Them
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.
The Best Ways to Dress for Your Astrological Sign
Makeup and astrology expert Linda Mason dispenses fashion advice for every zodiac sign. Does your wardrobe match your horoscope?